There’s watching a movie. And then there’s watching one under the Kansas sky with the windows down, snacks within reach and a glowing movie screen in front of you.

Welcome to Starlite Drive-In, where movie night has been done a little differently since 1953.

This iconic twin-screen Wichita theater serves up classic Americana with plenty of personality: first-run double features, tailgate hangs, concession-stand favorites and the kind of old-school movie magic that streaming from the couch just can’t replicate.

Whether you’re introducing the kids to their first drive-in or chasing a little nostalgia of your own, Starlite is one of those Wichita experiences that feels familiar until you realize just how much fun it is to do movie night slightly off center,

A boy shops concessions at Starlite Drive-in

PICK A SCREEN. CLAIM YOUR SPOT. STAY FOR TWO.

One movie is good. Two is better.

Starlite shows a double feature on each of its two screens, with a short intermission in between. One screen accommodates 750 cars, while the other holds 550. There’s no switching screens once you’re in, so choose wisely. Starlite generally shows first-run films along with a few retro movie nights each month.

The soundtrack to your night comes through FM radio. Tune in through your car stereo or bring an FM-capable radio or boombox, then settle in however you like. Stay cozy in the car or break out the chairs and blankets and make yourself at home in front of your vehicle.

Either way, your living room is going to have a hard time competing.

COME HUNGRY

Popcorn is just the beginning.

The concession stand keeps movie night properly fueled with burgers, fries, funnel cakes, frozen treats and plenty more. You can even pick up the season’s souvenir cup or T-shirt for a little proof that you did movie night the Wichita way.

Our suggestion? Get there early. The gates open one hour before the first showtime, giving you time to grab a good spot, make a concession-stand run and catch the Kansas sunset before the previews roll.

For weekends, holidays and big blockbuster releases, arriving at least an hour early is especially smart — lines can get long.

Turns out a lot of people have the same good idea.

Tickets & Hours

Starlite’s season is weather dependent and is set to begin March 6, 2026, with movies Friday through Sunday. Beginning in mid-May, the drive-in is open seven days a week through the summer months until mid-August, when operations return to weekends only. The season typically runs through October.

Check Starlite’s Facebook page for the latest movie lineup and schedule before heading out.

Starlite also offers $20-per-carload pricing at select times throughout the year. During the rest of the season, tickets are $10.75 for guests ages 12 and older and $5.38 for kids, while children ages 2 and younger are free. Season passes for a carload of up to four are available for $125.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Blockbuster opening weekends can sell out, so planning ahead is a very good movie-night decision.

From date nights to family outings, parking at the drive-in is one of the best ways to watch a movie in Wichita!